Blog Energized
By Collin Cole - April 8, 2011
The energy industry needs to change. Rising oil prices, environmental concerns, and progressive consumer demand is creating new opportunities for innovation in the products we use, the way we buy energy, and the way it’s generated and distributed. But what are the barriers to change and how will we overcome them? Who is driving these changes? As a consumer, what can I expect on my side of the meter?
Blog Energized
By Collin Cole - March 31, 2011
I’m fortunate to live in Mueller, a vibrant, energy-conscious Austin, Texas neighborhood built on the site of the former municipal airport. Located only three miles from downtown, Mueller is the world’s largest LEED-ND certified community. LEED-ND is a U.S. Green Building Council rating system for neighborhood design that integrates the principles of smart growth, urbanism and green building. Because of Mueller’s unique central location and the generous footprint of the former airport, it offers a rare opportunity to build a smart community from scratch, right in the heart of the city.
Blog Energized
By Collin Cole - August 18, 2010
I’m not an activist. I’m not a tree hugger. In fact, I pride myself on being a barometer of common sense. I’m an average guy.
But we all know there’s a problem. The ways of the last century are no longer sustainable. Major economies are dangerously dependent on limited natural resources in volatile regions of the world. We’re drilling for oil deeper and farther out at sea and in ecologically fragile environments. Emerging economic powers like China and India are mobilizing billions of new motorists and consumers. It’s clear that the systems that have fueled consumption simply no longer scale. We need change.
But these problems are huge. Can one person make a difference? Where does one even start? Is it possible to just call up the local energy company and ask for wind power?
This blog will follow my own education about living a more sustainable life. I’ll explore the practical applications of alternative energy, emerging technologies, new products, public policies, and the human behaviors that must align to tip the balance from activism to adoption — all in an effort to make my own life (and hopefully, my house) more energy efficient.
I look forward to your comments and suggestions along the way!
